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That was the most terrifying experience of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, amid worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of Bondi on the television, but as with other locals surveyed, felt largely removed.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory environment as crowds came there for food, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is still uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that legitimate grievances are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was forged through heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous places the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into blame against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and polarization”.